Foldable container for transport of piece goods

ABSTRACT

The current invention discloses a container for the transport of piece goods, whereby said container is selectably configurable between a folded configuration and an expanded operational configuration. Said container is comprised of a container body which has two pairs of side panels defining an internal compartment, a bottom and an open top surface. Said open top surface is closable by a lid attached to a side panel of said container and enclosing at least partially edges of those side panels not connected to said lid, characterized in that said lid is attached to said side panel by a hinge portion, whereby the container body in said folded configuration is rotatable along a longitudinal axis along said hinge portion to allow at least partial stowage in said lid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The current invention is directed to the field of collapsible containers for the transportation of piece goods.

PRIOR ART

Piece goods such as semi-finished goods e.g. for the car industry are often transported from the production site to the assembly site. The transport of the latter is often arranged via containers provided with textile dividers. These textile dividers form separate compartments within the container, whereby each compartment can store one or more piece goods.

These containers are largely formed by flexible textile material, lined by rigid side panels, which are lightweight and thus provide an ergonomic advantage to the user. As these containers are often used multiple times, and being transported back and forth between two locations, they are mostly provided in foldable versions, which allows bulk transport of the empty containers back to the site of production of the goods to be transported.

A drawback to these containers is the fact that most of them lack rigidity, which can be a disadvantage when multiple of these containers need to be stacked in or on a rigid structure such as a palette. Often these lightweight containers need to be stacked in a staggered manner, thereby preferably using containers of different dimensions and/or other, sturdier containers (e.g. hard plastic) for providing additional stability, in order to prevent that a stack of loaded containers collapses due to their weight. Consequently this leads to space loss and a loss in load capacity.

There is therefore a need in the art for containers comprised of textile dividers which offer sufficient rigidity in unfolded, loaded state, and which still maintain their lightweight and ergonomic advantage. Advantageously the containers are stackable on top of each other, without having to assure a staggered formation and/or the use of (sturdy) containers with a different configuration or material.

The current invention aims to provide a solution for the abovementioned problem in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention discloses a container for the transport of piece goods as described in claim 1, whereby said container is selectably configurable between a folded configuration and an expanded operational configuration. Said container is comprised of a container body which has two pairs of side panels defining an internal compartment, a bottom surface and an open top surface. Said open top surface is closable by a lid attached to a side panel of said container body and enclosing at least partially edges of those side panels not connected to said lid, characterized in that said lid is attached to said side panel by a hinge, whereby the container body in said folded configuration is rotatable about a (longitudinal) axis along said hinge to allow stowage in said lid. Said lid is provided at its outer surface with protrusions which allow firm and stable stacking of multiple containers, both in folded and expanded configuration.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a foldable container according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show a sequence of steps in which a container according to an embodiment of the current invention is collapsed and folded away in the lid.

FIG. 6 shows a stack of collapsed containers according to an embodiment of the current invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative embodiments of a container according to the current invention.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show yet another alternative embodiment of a container according to the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The current invention is directed to a container for the transport of piece goods, which is lightweight and still provides sufficient rigidity in order to sustain a specific force.

Said container is selectably configurable between a folded configuration and an expanded operational configuration. Moreover, the container is preferably comprised of a container body, said body comprises 2 pairs of side panels defining an internal compartment (in expanded operational configuration), a bottom and an open top surface. Said open top surface is closable by a lid attached to a side panel of said container. In a closed configuration of the box, the lid is enclosing at least partially edges of those side panels not connected to said lid, characterized in that said lid is attached to said side panel by a hinge portion. The container body in folded configuration is rotatable along a longitudinal axis of said hinge portion to allow at least partial stowage of the body in said lid. In a further embodiment, said lid is provided with protrusions at its outer surface which allow safe and stable stacking of both the folded and expanded configuration of said container.

With the term ‘top surface’ is understood the open (not covered) top side of the container or container body, not yet provided by said lid and which defines an opening of the container, through which objects can be brought and subsequently stored in said container. Said top surface is closable by said lid.

Preferably said lid is a rigid lid which is able to cover the top surface entirely. In one embodiment, the lid is at least partially composed of a rigid material or plate. In another embodiment, said complete lid is manufactured from a rigid material. In a further embodiment, said lid will also at least partially engage with the top part of the side panels in order to form a secure closure.

The lid will preferably be formed by a polymeric material of sufficient rigidity and stiffness. Examples of such material include polypropylene, or polystyrene, or polyethylene. Preferentially, the polymeric material has a Shore-D hardness between 40 and 55, preferentially around Shore-D 48. In a preferred embodiment, said lid is manufactured of a stitchable polymer. With the term ‘stitchable’ it is meant that the material is able to be attached to a structure via stitching.

Optionally, the side portion of the container body which is permanently attached to the lid may equally be provided in the same material as said lid, in order to provide sturdiness to the body of the container. In a further embodiment, also other side panels or at least portions thereof may be provided in the same material as said lid.

In an embodiment, said lid may be transparent or translucent. The latter allows having a clear view on the products stored in the container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the current invention, the lid is produced from a polypropylene material with a thickness of between 2 to 3.5 mm. The inventors of the current invention found that this thickness provides sufficient rigidity to the container but at the same time provides good stitchable properties.

Overall, the provision of the lid will provide rigidity to the container assembly, whereby the container body is able to sustain a significant amount of force exerted on said container body (much more than the containers currently being used on the market). Due to the fact that the container is able to sustain such large force, multiple containers will be stackable on top of each other (without the need to provide a staggered configuration, due to the protrusions provided on the lid).

The lid also provides for a closure of the goods, which serves as a protection against external factors such as dust, humidity, etc.

The lid may additionally be provided, preferably via textile portions, with a zipper which allows fastening of the lid to the body of the container for further closure from the environment.

In an embodiment the lid is at least partially provided with lid side faces at at least one side of the lid, by preference at three or four sides of the lid. Said lid side faces are preferably connected to the borders of said lid, whereby the lid side faces comprise panels perpendicular to the lid, extending towards the bottom surface of the container in operational configuration. Said lid side faces are preferably suitable to partially enclose (the rims of) the side walls when closing off the open top surface of a container body in operational configuration.

Said lid side faces may be connected to each other in order to provide a sturdy lid. In another embodiment, said lid side faces may be provided with cut-outs and/or slits, which allow a certain flexibility in movement of the lid side faces in view of each other. This may help in stowage of the body of the container in the lid, when in folded condition.

In an embodiment of the current invention, said protrusions are located at at least three outer borders of (the outer surface of) said lid. As a consequence, the containers, both in the folded compact configuration and in the operational expanded configuration, can be stacked firmly, safe and stable on each other. The protrusions provided at at least three outer borders prevent sliding in at least three directions. By preference, protrusions are provided at the four outer borders of said lid in order to provide additional firmness when two or more containers are stacked. In a more preferred embodiment, at least two protrusions will be provided at each of the outer borders (at each side) of a lid. In another preferred embodiment one protrusion per corner of said lid will be provided.

In an embodiment of the current invention, the protrusions are connected to the lid side faces circumscribing the lid, extending upwardly (i.e. extending away from the bottom surface) when the lid is closing off the container.

In a preferred embodiment, said protrusions define external borders (of a surface) which allow receiving a (bottom) surface of a second, identical folded container. Said first and second containers are firmly stackable due to the protrusions. Both containers can be in the folded compact or expanded operational configuration for the stacking.

In yet another or further embodiment of the current invention, said lid may be provided with protrusions which are present on the outer surface of said lid, preferably in a spaced configuration and extending in the length or width of said lid. More preferably, the side panel of the container connected to said lid, may equally be provided with protrusions, which may aid in the stacking of various folded containers on top of each other. In a preferred embodiment, these side panel protrusions will equally be placed in a spaced configuration and preferably staggered in view of those protrusions present on said lid. Again, this aids stacking of multiple folded containers.

In a preferred embodiment, said hinge portion is comprised of a flexible hinge comprising a textile material. By providing a flexible hinge, the lid is remains at all times connected to the assembly, whereby the hinge provides sufficient flexibility and lightness to the assembly. By preference, said flexible hinge is comprised of a woven or non-woven textile or flexible polymers chosen from PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethersulfone.

In a preferred embodiment, said flexible hinge is stitched to one side of said lid and to said side panel of the container. By stitching the hinge to the lid, a strong and durable connection is maintained.

Other possible connection methods are equally possible and include one or more film hinges, welding, gluing, clicking or stapling and any other methods known in the art. In case of (non-flexible) film hinges, multiple hinges or hinges with multiple inflection points are required to enable the 180° angle made by the lid and the connected side panel when in the compact storage/stowed position (cf. the U-form of a cross section of the flexible hinge). In a possible embodiment, the hinge assembly has a W-formed cross section (whereby a first leg of the W-form hinge is connected with the lid and a fourth leg of the W-form hinge is connected with the side panel). In case the flexible hinge is produced of the side plate material, multiple welded seams are required to provide the desired bendability.

When one or more film hinges are used, these film hinges will preferably be made as an extension of the lid material.

In a preferred embodiment, said internal compartment is provided by one or more flexible textile dividers. These dividers are preferably interconnected with each other and provide means for storing piece goods in the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container in operational configuration comprises a flexible bottom surface. In a preferred embodiment, said flexible bottom surface is manufactured of materials comprising textile. By providing a similar bottom surface, the lightness of the container is preserved and further ensures good foldability of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the side panels of the container body, not connected to the lid by means of the flexible hinge, is provided with at least one adhesive strip (or another attaching means), like a Velcro system, in order to firmly connect said side panel to the lid in enclosing position, whereby extra stability is provided to the container body. Preferentially the side panels comprising a foldable portion are provided with said adhesive strip. The adhesive strip can be provided on the top surface of the lid or on lid side faces comprised by the lid extending towards the bottom surface of the container in operational configuration.

In another embodiment, the lid comprises at least one rib on the inner side of the lid which is parallel to one of the lid side faces. Said ribs extend towards the bottom surface of a closed container in the operational configuration. The ribs and parallel lid side faces define recesses, preferentially with substantially U-shaped cross sections, whereby the rib and the parallel lid side face are preferentially at a distance slightly larger (e.g. 5 to 25%) than the width of the rims of the side panels. By placing the rims of the side panels in said recess when closing the container, the rims of the side panels comprising a fold line can be straightened, which is an advantage of lids provided with a combination of ribs and side faces. Furthermore, said ribs provide additional stability to the containers, which is appropriate when stacking several containers.

In a preferred embodiment said container body is foldable along an axis (in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of the flexible hinge) of said container body. These types of containers are generally transported back and forth between two or more locations, either in loaded or empty condition. By allowing that the container is foldable when not in use, bulk transport of multiple empty containers is achieved, thereby reducing cost of transport and ensuring efficiency.

In order to allow folding or collapsing of the container body, one pair of opposite side panels is provided with a fold line or hinged portion, running from the bottom to the top surface of the container. Advantageously the fold line or hinged portion will be present in the middle of said side panel. Alternatively, more than one fold line or hinged portion can be provided. In another preferred embodiment, the side panel is comprised of one plane, without any hinges that allow the folding. The folding capacity is achieved by embossment of the material of the side panel.

In a preferred embodiment, said pair of opposite side panels is foldable inwards along the fold line or hinged portion towards the internal compartment, thereby reducing the size of the container.

By preference, if the container is rectangular in form, the fold line will be present at the short sides of the container body. By presence of the fold line, the side panels will be foldable towards the internal compartment, thereby deforming the side panel from an essentially flat structure to a V-like structure. Due to the flexible interior the container will, once folded along the fold line, eventually collapse and be significantly reduced in width, whereby the length of the container is substantially kept constant. Folding occurs in one smooth, manual movement and only requires the exertion of a minimal force. The container body is just as easily brought back in its original, unfolded manner.

In another embodiment, said container body comprises one pair of opposite side panels whereby at least one border is releasably attached to said second pair of side panels and which are foldable towards an outer surface of said second side panels. The releasable attachment can be achieved via a velcro attachment or fastener system, whereby one panel is releasably and temporarily attached to a neighboring panel via such attachment or fastener system. The rim adjoining the bottom of the container body may equally be provided with a Velcro attachment or fastener system, or can simply be unattached to the bottom surface. When in unattached state, the panel can be rotated along its attached border towards the outer surface of the neighboring panel. Subsequently, the interior of the container can collapse, thereby bringing the two non-rotated panels in vicinity of each other, again significantly reducing the container in width.

Subsequently, after the container is in collapsed state, the body of the container can be stowed away in the lid, which provides sufficient space to receive the folded body. As such, the complete container, when in unused and unloaded state, can efficiently be transported in bulk, by piling multiple collapsed containers.

The textile dividers present in the interior of the container body provide separate compartments in the container for allowing storage and transport of piece goods. Said textile dividers may comprise of a woven or nonwoven fabric, depending of the embodiment and use of the container. Suitable fabrics are all fabrics as known in the state of the art.

In order to maintain the lightness of the container, the bottom surface of the container will be formed by (a part of) said textile dividers, by preference the bottom layer of the textile dividers. Such execution ensures good foldability and overall reduces the weight of the container.

In another embodiment, said bottom surface can be formed by the same material as the side panel. This provides extra sturdiness and stability to the container, which is needed when the container is used for stowing rather heavy goods. In order to allow foldability of the container body, the panel forming the bottom surface is to be provided by a fold line, preferably along the entire length of said bottom surface panel. By virtue of this fold line, the bottom surface panel will, similar to the side panels, be able to fold inwards, thereby reducing the size of the container. In another embodiment, the bottom surface panel is releasibly attached (e.g. by means of velcro attachment) to the side panels at three borders. This configuration allows folding of the bottom surface panel to the outer panel, and fastening to the latter, after which the whole container can collapse by virtue of the fold lines in the side panels (as described above). In another embodiment, the bottom panel is connected to a side panel by means of a flexible hinge, with similar properties as the hinge used to connect the lid with a side panel. The bottom panel can be connected to the side panel used for the hinge of the lid or the opposite side panel.

In another embodiment, said container body is provided by a hard cover at the bottom surface, said plastic cover is preferably formed by the same material as the lid of the container. Said hard cover may provide additional strength to the container assembly during storage and transport. In order to maintain the foldability of the container body, said hard cover can be releasibly attached to the remaining of said container body. In another embodiment, said hard cover is provided to the bottom surface of the container body by a flexible hinge attached to a lower rim of a side panel, preferably the longest side panel. As such, the container assembly can be positioned in the bottom cover (much like a tray) whereby the bottom cover assures additional strength and stability to the container.

As mentioned before, the container body of the current invention is preferably manufactured of light material, which ensures easy and efficient transport of goods yet simultaneously also ensuring durability of the container. By preference, said side panels will be manufactured from a lightweight polymeric or composite material. Said polymeric material may be polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polysulphone, polylactic acid or any other suitable material known in the art. Preferably said material will be polypropylene.

In another, more preferred embodiment, said material for at least part of the side panels will comprise a honeycomb core structure, lined by surface sheets. This again aids in the lightness of the container, as less material is to be used to ensure a good strength. By presence of the honeycomb structure, proper foldability of the side panels is supported as well.

By preference, thickness of the side panels will range from 2 to 5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels will be joined together by sewing, whereby the material of the textile dividers may serve as intermediate material, uniting/connecting said panels.

In a preferred embodiment, said side panels and textile dividers can in folded condition be stowed away in said lid. By specifically defining the width l1 of the hinge, the hinge will participate in the compactness of the container when in folded condition. The hinge provides sufficient leverage to stow away the side panels and textile dividers in a cavity formed by the interior of the lid, when the latter are in folded condition. By preference, denoting the height of the lid side face of the lid as l2, l1 will be between 0.5 l2 and 1.5 l2.

Multiple containers according to the current invention can be placed and transported together in larger containment such as transport container or on a load surface/pallet, whereby the container according to the current invention allow efficient stacking on top of each other, whereby such efficient stacking is made possible due to the design of the container and the provision of the protrusions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a container 1 according to an embodiment of the current invention. The container 1 comprises of a container body, said container body has four side panels 5, 5′, 6, 6′, in which side panels 5 and 5′ form the short side of the container 1 and side panels 6 and 6′ the long side.

A hard cover and removable lid 2 is provided on top of the container assembly, which closes of the top surface and interior of the container body. Said lid 2 is provided with lid side faces 12, which are at least partially enclosing the rims of the side panels (5, 5′, 6) which are not connected to said lid by a hinge portion comprising a flexible hinge 3. An adhesive strip (e.g. velcro) 7 can be provided to further attach the lid 2 to the body of the container, providing additional stability to the container. Alternatively or as a further embodiment a zipper (not shown on FIG. 1) may be provided which connects the lid or the lid side faces 12 with the body of the container. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 2 is connected with a flexible hinge 3 to a rim of side panel 6′, which permanently connects the lid to the body of the container. The flexible hinge 3 allows easy handling and placement of the lid on top of the container assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible hinge can be replaced by a W-shaped hinge (comprising 4 panels and 3 inflection points), whereby a first panel of the hinge is connected to the side wall 6 (at the inside or outside of the container) and the fourth panel is connected to the lid 2. The two middle panels of the hinge provide the required flexibility to open and close the container body and are positioned as suggested by the form of the flexible hinge as shown in FIG. 2.

The interior of the container 1 is optionally provided with textile dividers 9 which provide separate compartments in the container for storing piece goods. The flexible textile dividers will also allow collapsing and folding of the container (see further).

Protrusions 10 are present on at least three outer borders of the outer surface of the lid (the side facing the exterior) which provide additional stability when stacking multiple containers on top of each other (e.g. on a pallet or in a transport container). Advantageously, multiple protrusions are provided and/or protrusions are provided at the four outer rims of a rectangular lid. The protrusions can be connected to the lid side faces 12 or can be only connected to the outer border of the lid itself, being coplanar with the lid side faces in a possible embodiment. The container 1 may furthermore be provided by one or more handles 8 on one or more of the side panels 5, 5′, 6, 6′.

The side panels 5 and 5′ of the container 1 are provided with a fold line 4, 4′ in the middle of said panel 5, 5′, which runs from the bottom rim of the side panel to the upper rim. The fold line 4, 4′ is present in the middle of the side panel. The fold lines allow collapsing and folding of the container 1, as is further shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. Velcro attachments 11 are provided in order to retain the side panels 6, 6′ in a collapsed configuration (as illustrated in FIG. 5).

Via the fold line 4, side panels 5 and 5′ are able to fold inwards towards the interior and the textile dividers 9 of the container 1. The side panels 5, 5′ will thereby deform from a planar configuration to a V-like configuration, whereby the width of the container will gradually reduce (see FIGS. 3 and 4) until the side panels have reached a maximal folded configuration (FIG. 5).

FIG. 5 shows a completely folded or collapsed container 1, whereby the side panels 5 and 5′ are completely folded inwards, whereby the fold line 4 is faced inwards and whereby the outer surface of the subpanels (defined by the fold line 4) can touch. The textile dividers 9 are equally completely folded together. A compact configuration is thereby achieved which is even compacted further by the fact that the flexible hinge 3 allows further folding of the assembly around a longitudinal axis defined by the hinge portion, thereby storing the compacted assembly in a cavity defined by the interior of the lid 2. The height of the lid side faces 12 is thus defined that it allows complete storage of the folded container assembly in the lid 2.

Several folded containers can be stored on top of each other as is shown in FIG. 6, which allow bulk transport of empty containers. The protrusions define external borders (of a surface) which allow receiving a (bottom) surface of a second, identical container, whereby the protrusions enclose said surface of the second container. In the expanded configuration, this surface of the second, identical container will be defined by the bottom surface of said second container. In the folded configuration, said surface will be defined by the side panel 6′ of a second container 1.

Said protrusions can be coplanar with the connected lid side face of the lid. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusions can be attached on the side of the lid, in a plane parallel to and tangent with the connected lid side face.

In FIG. 6, the height l2 of the lid side face and the width l1 of the flexible hinge 3 are indicated, whereby by preference 0.5 l2<l1<1.5 l2, by further preference 0.8 l2<l1<1.2 l2.

The collapsed container body shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can just as easily be folded open in working condition, by simple manual movements.

An alternative embodiment of the container according to the current invention is shown in FIG. 7, whereby the side panels 5 and 5′ are not provided with a fold line, but have a detachable rim with one of the side panels 6 or 6′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the detachable rim is releasibly attached to the side panels 6 or 6′ by a Velcro attachment 7 (or another fastening system). The rim bordering the bottom surface is equally not connected to the bottom surface or provided with a releasable attachment such as a Velcro fastener. When in unattached condition, the side panel 5 or 5′ can be folded towards the outer side of the neighboring side panel 6, after which the container can again collapse (whereby the textile dividers are brought together) and be reduced in width. Subsequently, the collapsed container body can be stowed away in the lid 2, aided by the presence of the textile hinge. Preferentially, the container comprises a flexible textile shielding 13 or screening, suitable for a first protection of the piece goods against external factors such as dust and humidity. Said shielding is preferentially connected to the side panel 6, opposite to the side panel 6′ provided with the hinge 3.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a container according to the current invention. The container is provided with an alternative lid with lid side faces 12 and ribs 12′ provided at the inner side, whereby at least one of the upper rims of the side panels 5, 5′, 6 fits into the recess between the rib and the lid side face when closing the open top surface by means of the lid. The enclosure of the upper ribs in the recess between the lid side faces 12 and the ribs 12′ provides an additional attachment of the lid with the body of the container and provides extra sturdiness to the container. The ribs 12′ as shown in FIG. 8 are continuous ribs, but it will be apparent to a skilled person that the ribs 12′ may equally be separate rib portions which form a discontinued rib 12′.

Preferentially, the textile dividers are provided at a lower level in the inner compartment (comparing FIG. 8 with e.g. FIG. 3), in order to provide the required free side panel for the recess created by the lid side faces and the parallel ribs to enclose the rims of the side panels. Alternatively, the ribs 12′ can be provided with cutouts at the positions of the textile divider connections with the panels.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show yet another embodiment of the container according to the current invention. Said container is cuboid, whereby the side panels 5, 5′, 6′, 6′ are larger in surface than said lid 2.

A zipper 14 is provided which is able to attach the lid 2 or the lid side faces 12 to the body of the container 1. The zipper is provided to an additional part of fabric which is attached to the lid side faces 12 and side panels 5, 6, 5′. The lid 2 is permanently connected to one side of the body of the container by means of two film hinges 15 and 15′ which are formed as an extension of the lid 2. Said lid 2 is made of a suitable polymeric material with a suitable stiffness such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

The lid side faces 12 of the lid 2 are in contrast to the previous embodiments shown not connected to each other, but instead cut-outs and/or slits are provided which allow a certain flexibility in movement of those lid side faces 12 not connected to the box via the film hinges. The position of the side faces 12 will depend on the configuration of the container (folded or expanded) and will play a function in respectively the stowage in the lid when folded, or the closing of the container body when in expanded, operational configuration. The lid side face 12 opposite to the film hinge may be provided with attachment means 17 or part of attachment means 17 which, when in folded configuration, allows maintaining the folded configuration.

The material of the lid may extend towards the side panel of the container which is connected to the lid via the hinge portion comprising film hinges 15, 15′. As for the other embodiments shown in the previous figure, the lid may be provided with protrusions 10 for enabling good stowing of multiple containers (either in folded or expanded configuration). The protrusions as shown in FIG. 9 have an alternative configuration, as they are placed on the outer surface of the lid 2, in a spaced configuration. The protrusions as shown in FIG. 9 run along the length of the lid, but it will be apparent to a skilled person that a discontinued pattern of protrusions equally belongs to the options of the current invention.

The side panel 5 which is connected to the lid may equally be provided with similar protrusions 16 on its outer surface. These protrusions are equally in a spaced configuration, but are placed staggered in view of the protrusions 10 on the lid 2.

Side panel 5 and 5′ are provided with a fold line 4, 4′ for allowing the container 1 to be folded along an axis. FIG. 10 shows the container of FIG. 9 in folded condition, partially stowed away in the lid 2. Because the side panels 5, 5′, 6′, 6′ have a greater surface than the lid 2, the folded body of the container will only partially fit in the lid 2. The cut-outs 18 and slits 19 at the lid side faces 12 enable the stowage of the body of the container in the lid, as they will allow flexible movement of the lid side faces. Attachment means 17 are provided to close the compacted structure of the container, allowing maintaining the folded condition.

In the folded condition, the body of the container will be folded towards the side panel 6′ which is connected to the lid 2 with film hinges and which is manufactured from the same sturdy material as the lid 2. This provides additional strength and firmness to the folded container, which is an advantage during transport.

The protrusions 10 and 16 on respectively the lid and the side panel 6′ aid in the stacking of a plurality of folded containers, thereby preventing slippage. As shown on FIG. 9, the protrusions 16 on the side panel 6 are in a staggered configuration in respect to the protrusions 10 of the lid 2. The latter is an advantage when stacking the folded containers on top of each other, as the portions 16 on the side panel 6′, which forms the bottom of a folded container body, will fit between the spaces formed by the portions 10 of a lid 2 of a container underneath that container. Due to the friction, slippage of the stack of containers is prevented.

It is understood that the figures merely serve as support of the possible embodiments of the current invention but are by no means to be seen as limiting for said invention.

FIGURE ELEMENTS

-   1: container -   2: lid -   3: flexible hinge -   4, 4′: fold line -   5, 5′, 6, 6′: side panels -   7: Velcro attachment -   8: handle -   9: textile divider -   10: protrusion -   11: Velcro attachment -   12: lid side face -   12′: rib provided on the inner side of the lid, parallel to a lid     side face -   13: textile screening/shielding -   14: zipper -   15, 15′: film hinge -   16: side panel protrusions -   17: attachment means -   18: cut-out -   19: slit 

1. A container for the transport of piece goods, said container is configurable between a folded configuration and an expanded operational configuration, and whereby said container is comprised of a container body, said container body in its expanded operational configuration is comprised of 2 pairs of side panels defining an internal compartment, a bottom and an open top surface, said open top surface is closable by a lid attached to a side panel of said container body and enclosing at least partially the edges of those side panels not connected to said lid, wherein said lid is attached to said side panel by a hinge portion, whereby said container body in its folded configuration is rotatable along a longitudinal axis of said hinge portion to allow at least partial stowage of said folded container body in said lid.
 2. The container according to claim 1, whereby said lid is at its outer surface provided with protrusions which allow stacking of multiple containers, either in folded or expanded configuration.
 3. The container according to claim 2, wherein said protrusions are located on the outer surface of said lid, in a spaced configuration.
 4. The container according to claim 2, wherein said protrusions are located at at least three outer borders of said lid.
 5. The container according to claim 4, wherein said protrusions define external borders which allow stacking of a second, identical container.
 6. The container according to claim 1, wherein said hinge portion is comprised of one or more film hinges.
 7. The container according to claim 6, wherein said film hinge is formed as an extension of said lid.
 8. The container according to claim 1, wherein said hinge portion is comprised of a flexible hinge comprising a textile material.
 9. The container according to claim 8, wherein said flexible hinge is stitched to one side of said lid and to said side panel of said container body.
 10. The container according to claim 1, wherein said container body is foldable along an axis of said container.
 11. The container according to claim 1, wherein one pair of opposite side panels is provided with a fold line or hinged portion, running from the bottom to the top surface of the container body.
 12. The container according to claim 12, wherein the fold line or hinged portion is present in the middle of said side panel.
 13. The container according to claim 12, wherein said pair of opposite side panels is foldable inwards along the fold line or hinged portion towards the internal compartment.
 14. The container according to claim 1, wherein said container body comprises one pair of opposite side panels whereby at least one border is releasably attached to said second pair of side panels and which are foldable towards an outer surface of said second side panels.
 15. The container according to claim 1, wherein said internal compartment is provided by one or more flexible textile dividers.
 16. The container according to claim 15, wherein said textile dividers are comprised of a woven or nonwoven fabric.
 17. The container according to claim 15, wherein said bottom surface is formed by said textile dividers.
 18. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bottom surface is formed by a hard cover.
 19. The container according to claim 1, wherein said side panels are formed by a polymeric or composite material comprising a honeycomb structure and optionally at least partially covered by a textile material.
 20. The container according to claim 15, wherein said side panels are connected via the textile of said textile dividers. 